Air Bags/Springs - Firestone, Air Lift or?

HMS Beagle wrote:
I'm wondering the same thing. Something to consider is that all of the airbag systems limit suspension travel to some extent. The airbag travel is only 5 or 6", vs. often 10-12" for the original suspension. On the between-axle-and-frame version I tried to install on my '99 F350, it reduced jounce travel to 2", at the same time eliminating the rubber bump stop. Firestone said this wasn't a problem.... There are some long travel kits that are made for the off road types, but expen$ive and limited applicability.

I am not sure my use of my truck will have issues with suspension travel. It has not been an issue with my '96 since 2001.

HMS Beagle wrote:
The outside the frame mounts seems to be mostly pretty flimsy and need reinforcement. The inside the frame versions will reduce roll stiffness to the extent of any load they carry. I don't think the 5 psi minimum limit is a particular concern, they end up that way over time anyway. Given the reduction in travel, having a jounce bumper like the Airlifts seems like a good idea. Another concern it that most of them have instructions admonishing against jacking the truck without strapping the axle, because the weight of the axle will hang on the bags.

For the most part, this is my thinking also. I am not very keen on the outside the frame mounts for reasons I posted.

I don't know if the 5 psi issue is a big deal, it has not been on my '96. However, I do like the idea of the jounce bumper. The jacking the truck without strapping the axle pertains to all air bag systems that I am aware of. This has never been an issue with my trucks.

HMS Beagle wrote:
For these reasons if I install them on my new truck (the need is yet TBD) I intend to mount them using the Daystar seats. In this scheme you do not bolt down the bottom of the bag, it is allowed to lift off on suspension extension preserving travel. Someone else is making a kit that does this from the beginning, but it mounts well inboard of the springs which I do not like. The seats eliminate the minimum pressure, axle droop, and travel concerns.

I was not aware of the Daystar seats. They are worth considering, only cost between $80 to $90., and could be added at a later date.

These links have interesting discussions on the Daystar seats:

"Official" Firestone RideRite + Lift Thread

Calling Coachbuilder1! Daystar Air Bag Cradle